Exploring the Rich World of Indonesian Herbal Drinks: 8 Nutritious Delights to Savor at Home

Maintaining our health and well-being is of paramount importance, especially in today’s fast-paced world. The good news is that nature has provided us with an abundance of remedies, and Indonesian herbal drinks are a delightful way to nourish our bodies. These herbal concoctions are not only warming and flavorful but also rich in nutrients that can benefit our health. In this guide, we will introduce you to eight Indonesian herbal drinks that you can easily prepare at home. These drinks offer a taste of Indonesia’s diverse culture and tradition while providing you with natural wellness.

1. Talua Tea: The Indonesian Eggnog with a Twist

Origin: West Sumatra

Talua Tea, often referred to as the “Indonesian Eggnog,” is a warm and comforting beverage originating from West Sumatra. While it shares some similarities with eggnog, Talua Tea is entirely alcohol-free, making it suitable for all ages. The recipe for Talua Tea is straightforward, and you can find most of the ingredients in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 2 free-range egg yolks
• 2 teabags of black tea
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 30 ml of condensed milk
• 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder
• 500 ml of water

Method:

1. Boil 500 ml of water with the tea bags.
2. Beat the egg yolks and sugar on high speed until the mixture becomes thick.
3. Pour the egg mixture into cups and add condensed milk.
4. Add hot tea to the mixture in the cups, followed by a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of cinnamon powder.

Talua herbal Tea is now ready to serve. This unique and aromatic drink offers a delightful combination of flavors and a touch of warmth.

2. Wedang Uwuh: The Antioxidant-Rich Javanese Elixir

Origin: Bantul, Yogyakarta

Wedang Uwuh is a traditional Javanese herbal drink hailing from Bantul, Yogyakarta. This unfiltered drink is a blend of various herbs and spices, and it boasts numerous health benefits. Wedang Uwuh is known for its rich antioxidant content and its potential to help lower cholesterol levels.

Ingredients:

• Ginger
• Clove
• Clove leaves
• Dried cinnamon leaves
• Dried nutmeg leaves
• Secang wood
• Rock sugar

Method:

1. Roast the ginger over an open flame and then crush it.
2. Boil water, add the roasted ginger, and allow it to steep.
3. Add cloves, clove leaves, dried cinnamon leaves, dried nutmeg leaves, secang wood shavings, and rock sugar.
4. Continue to boil until the water turns a rich red color.
5. Pour the drink into a glass and serve it warm.

Wedang Uwuh not only warms your body but also provides a burst of natural goodness with every sip.

3. Bajigur: A Taste of West Java’s Warm Delight

Origin: West Java

Bajigur is a popular warm drink that hails from West Java. It’s the perfect beverage to enjoy on a chilly evening and is often accompanied by snacks like fried bananas or cassava chips. The origins of Bajigur date back to the Sudanese farmers who would brew palm sugar with hot water before heading to the fields. Over time, additional ingredients have been incorporated into the recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of coconut milk
• 150 grams of palm sugar
• 100 grams of ginger (roasted and bruised)
• 2 lemongrass stems (bruised)
• 5 pandan leaves
• A 5-cm piece of cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon of instant ground coffee

Method:

1. In a medium-sized pan, combine all the ingredients.
2. Place the pan over medium heat and add 1 liter of liquid coconut milk.
3. Add sliced palm sugar, roasted ginger, bruised lemongrass, pandan leaves, and cinnamon to the pan.
4. Stir the ingredients and wait until the mixture boils and becomes frothy.
5. Once the liquid turns brown, add the instant coffee powder and turn off the heat.
6. Stir to ensure the contents are evenly mixed, and let the mixture sit until the steam dissipates.
7. Strain the mixture and pour it into cups.

Bajigur offers a delightful blend of flavors, with hints of coconut, ginger, and coffee, making it a beloved choice for both warmth and taste.

4. Sarabba: South Sulawesi’s Herbal Delight

Origin: South Sulawesi

Sarabba is a traditional herbal drink enjoyed by the Bugis people in South Sulawesi. This unique concoction combines ginger, brown or palm sugar, coconut milk, pepper, and free-range egg yolk. It’s not only refreshing but also nutritious, making it a popular choice among those seeking a natural energy boost.

Ingredients:

• 800 ml of water
• 350 grams of ginger (peeled and coarsely ground)
• 350 grams of brown sugar (combed)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• 200 ml of thick coconut milk
• 45 grams of free-range egg yolk

Method:

1. Boil the brown sugar in water until it completely dissolves.
2. Add the ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper to the boiling water. Allow the ginger’s aroma to infuse into the mixture.
3. Reduce the heat, slowly add the thick coconut milk, and continue stirring.
4. Pour the mixture into cups, adding one egg yolk per cup and stirring well.

Sarabba provides a refreshing and invigorating experience, with the creamy richness of coconut milk and the warm, earthy notes of ginger.

5. Bir Pletok: A Taste of Betawi Tradition

Origin: Jakarta (Betawi)

Bir pletok is a unique herbal drink with its roots in the Betawi culture of Jakarta. This drink, rich in herbs and spices, emerged as an alternative to wine, which was prohibited by the locals’ religion during the Dutch colonial era. In Betawi tradition, bir pletok is associated with luxury and success, akin to wine in other cultures.

Ingredients: (for 6 liters of serving)

• 250 grams of ginger
• 3 grams of cloves
• 3 grams of nutmeg
• 3 grams of pepper
• 3 grams of lemongrass
• 3 grams of cardamoms
• 30 grams of cinnamon
• 30 grams of sappanwood
• 7 pandan leaves
• 6 orange leaves
• 1 kilogram of sugar

Method:

1. Crush the ginger, nutmeg, pepper, cardamom, and lemongrass together.
2. Place the crushed ingredients in a pan filled with water and boil over medium heat.
3. Add pandan leaves, orange leaves, cloves, sappanwood, and cinnamon. Add sugar to taste and continue stirring.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pan and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
5. Serve the bir pletok while it’s still warm.

Bir pletok is a celebration of spices and flavors, delivering a taste of tradition with every sip.

6. STMJ: The Javanese Elixir for Health and Comfort

Origin: Malang, East Java

STMJ stands for Susu Telor Madu Jahe, which translates to Ginger Honey Egg Milk. This wholesome drink is widely popular in Java and is often found at food vendors and roadside stalls. Originating from Malang, East Java, STMJ is an adaptation of the original ginger milk recipe, with the addition of honey and egg for extra richness.

Ingredients:

• 300 ml of liquid milk
• A 5-cm piece of ginger (bruised)
• 3 tablespoons of pure honey
• 1 free-range egg
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper

Method:

1. Boil the liquid milk with the bruised ginger.
2. Pour the ginger-infused milk into a cup.
3. Add the egg to the ginger milk and stir quickly to prevent curdling.
4. Incorporate ground pepper and 3 tablespoons of honey, stirring until well combined.
5. Serve while the STMJ is still warm.

STMJ offers a comforting blend of ginger and honey, making it both nourishing and soothing. It’s an affordable and healthful choice for anyone seeking warmth and wellness.

7. Wedang Ronde: Central Java’s Sweet Herbal Indulgence

Origin: Central Java

Wedang Ronde, predominantly found in Central Java, has its roots in Chinese tradition. Locals often refer to it as tangyuan or dongzhi, introduced to Indonesia by Chinese traders. This herbal drink is a delightful blend of chewy rice flour balls (ronde), sweet peanut filling, ginger water, and liquid sugar.

Ingredients:

Ronde (chewy topping):

• 150 grams of glutinous rice flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 125 ml of water
• 1 teaspoon of betel lime water
• Green and red food coloring

Fillings:

• 100 grams of roasted peanut puree
• 75 grams of sugar
• 25 grams of sesame seed puree
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 2 tablespoons of warm water

Liquid sugar (boiled and filtered):

• 500 ml of water
• 200 grams of sugar

Ginger water (boiled and filtered):

• 1 liter of water
• An 8-cm piece of bruised, fire-roasted ginger
• Bruised lemongrass stems
• 2 pandan leaves

Method: Ronde (chewy topping):

1. Stir all ronde ingredients until uniformly blended.
2. Divide the dough into two parts and add food coloring to each, stirring well.
3. Take 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten it, place a small ball of the filling in the center, and shape it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
4. Boil the ronde until they float to the surface, then remove them.
5. Soak the ronde in the liquid sugar.

Presentation:

1. Place the ronde and the liquid sugar in serving bowls.
2. Pour the ginger water into the serving bowls.

This recipe yields approximately 16 servings of Wedang Ronde.

8. Bandrek: West Java’s Comforting Ginger Elixir

Origin: West Java

Bandrek is a heartwarming drink made from ginger, palm sugar, and lemongrass. Hailing from West Java, this beverage is ideal for cold and rainy weather, as it provides warmth and refreshment simultaneously.

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of mineral water
• 350 grams of refined brown sugar
• 3 stalks of lemongrass (crushed)
• 80 grams of fire-roasted and crushed ginger
• 1/2 tablespoon of salt
• 1 pandan leaf (washed and cleaned)
• Sweetened condensed milk

Method:

1. Boil sugar with water in a pan.
2. Tie the pandan leaf into a ribbon and add it to the pan.
3. Include the crushed fire-roasted ginger and crushed lemongrass stalks in the pan, and stir well.
4. Add salt and continue stirring.
5. Once the flavor is balanced and all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, turn off the heat.
6. Add sweetened condensed milk to the ready-to-serve Bandrek.

Bandrek offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, with the soothing qualities of ginger. It’s the perfect beverage to keep you cozy during chilly evenings.

In Conclusion: Embrace the Rich Heritage of Indonesian Herbal Drinks

As you explore the diverse world of Indonesian herbal drinks, you not only embark on a culinary adventure but also harness the natural goodness that nature has to offer. These traditional concoctions have been cherished for generations, not only for their delightful flavors but also for their potential health benefits.

During your stay at home or whenever you crave a comforting and nutritious beverage, consider trying these Indonesian herbal drink recipes. They provide an opportunity to break away from the ordinary and indulge in the rich tapestry of Indonesian culture and tradition. Moreover, these herbal drinks offer a refreshing way to strengthen your immune system and add a touch of warmth and wellness to your day. So go ahead, savor the flavors of Indonesia and enjoy your #StayatHome.

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